18 THE RURAL PROBLEM. 



afforested with economy ; but should the substitution of metal 

 for wood in many spheres be slow, considerable increases in timber 

 prices may be expected, and land of higher annual value could be 

 planted with security of an economic return. At present there 

 are several million acres of land in Great Britain which could be 

 afforested, and the formation of public opinion and policy in regard 

 to afforestation is highly desirable.* One reason why more woods 

 are not planted or improved is that many nominal owners of 

 estates are onlj' life-tenants, and planting timber is a process of 

 " planting for heirs." But again, the provision of capital and 

 facilities for education, especially the latter, will be necessary 

 before much progress is possible under either private or public 

 enterprise. 



In every phase of organisation and cultivation more knowledge 

 is the fundamental requirement for progress in agriculture. There 

 is much laiowledge awaiting adoption in general practice, but also 

 many spheres in which still more knowledge is required. Facilities 

 for research and training in practice were being developed before 

 the war, and these must be continued on the return of peace. 

 And whether the general body of consumers decides to subsidise 

 the agricultural producers or not, there cannot be any progressive 

 improvement in agricultural production unless a more efficient 

 body of managers arises either from the present class of farmers, 

 or some other classes of society. Whatever form of organisation 

 is adopted, it is essential that it should provide for a rising standard 

 of life approximately equal to that provided by urban and semi- 

 urban industry, otherwise there will be a recurring problem of 

 rural depopulation. Neither the sons and daughters of labourers, 

 small holders, nor farmers, will stop on the land under a system 

 which does not provide an economic foundation for a life of equal 

 variety and richness as that offered by the urban centres and the 

 Dominions. 



* On reclamation see A. D. Hall, op. cit., pp. 70-80. On afforestation see Eeport 



of Royal Commission on Coast Erosion and Afforestation. Cd. 4460, 1909. The 



proportion of laud occupied by forests and woods in European countries is 



instructive : — 



Per cent 



17-0 



17-3 



25-9 



27-5 



,32-6 



— Departuiental Committee on Irish Forcslry. Cd. 4028, 1908^.' 



